Performing Arts Centre
The Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools’ Performing Arts Centre (PAC) provides for young people at the schools, for the local community and for the professional arts in Edinburgh and beyond a spectacular venue for the practice of music, drama and dance at the very highest levels.
Introduction
The Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools’ Performing Arts Centre provides for young people at the schools, for the local community and for the professional arts in Edinburgh and beyond a spectacular venue for the practice of music, drama and dance at the very highest levels. Sculpted out of the body of one of Edinburgh’s foremost architectural landmarks, the centre not only offers an outstanding acoustic and superb sight lines for audiences, but also enhances the historic interior features of a building which has been adapted over 150 years to match the educational needs of successive generations.
The Space
As an empty space the centre is an inspiring location for rehearsal, promenade and social functions, but it can be easily transformed into an auditorium that can support audiences of up to 580 in a wide variety of configurations. Seating, flooring, staging, & drapes can all be used to extend the flexibility of the venue and most styles of presentation can be supported from concert and recital on three sides, to more traditional proscenium and studio theatre configurations.
Further options can be offered with the use of acoustic partitions that, when deployed, create 3 spaces. The two galleries have a capacity of 60 that can be used for presentation, teaching and meeting or as a complimentary space to the main auditorium, which in this different layout can accommodate 300 comfortably.
Community & Commercial Use
Since its opening in September 2007 the Performing Arts Centre has welcomed a fantastic variety of people of all ages, who have come to perform, learn and celebrate in this major facility in the heart of the city.
When the centre was nearing completion, a Community Arts Fund was established to subsidise certain uses by groups and organisations who may not otherwise have been able to use the space.
Technical & Other Services
Comprehensive production sound, lighting and audio-visual facilities enhance the space further and experienced and enthusiastic staff are always on hand to offer help and advice when it is required, making sure that all those using the centre feel welcomed and supported throughout their visit. The other spaces and facilities that are associated with the Performing arts Centre are of a suitably high standard and range from additional breakout rooms for seminars studio and rehearsal spaces to other function rooms and full on-site catering.
Contact
To discuss the possibilities or make an appointment to visit the Performing Arts Centre please call us on 0131 311 1100. Or you can email PAC@esmgc.com.